Animal Acres was founded by Lorri Bauston, who is considered the “pioneer” of the farmed animal sanctuary movement. In 1986, Lorri co-founded Farm Sanctuary®, which opened the country’s first shelter for farmed animals. For 18 years, she directed the group’s shelter and fundraising efforts.

Through her farm animal sanctuary efforts, Lorri has directly saved thousands of animals from the cruelties of factory farms, stockyards and slaughterhouses, and brought national attention to the plight of animals used for “food production.” Lorri’s work has been featured in hundreds of newspaper, television and radio news stories, including guest appearances on CBS This Morning, Animal Planet, and PrimeTime Live.

The sanctuary is a refuge for animals, and a sanctuary for the soul. Farmed animal sanctuaries are a place where cows, pigs, and chickens reach out and touch the human heart. The “animal ambassadors” gently teach people to extend compassion to ALL beings through one-on-one interaction. For many people, it is the first time they have ever looked into the eyes of pig or chicken, and it can profoundly affect the way people view and treat farmed animals.

The Animal Acres GRAND OPENING is scheduled for October 22. Over the next few months, volunteers will be cleaning the barns and property, constructing fencing, making building repairs and painting, to get the facility ready.

Soon the sanctuary will open its doors to farmed animals rescued from slaughter — and people of all ages, who are provided the information, resources and tools they need to choose kindness over killing. Our Fall 2005 education programs will include: